Nine people were arrested on drug charges yesterday in the Penn Hills area, according to the Allegheny County district attorney's office.

Eight different agencies, including Penn Hills police and Allegheny County probation officers, were involved with the operation. Authorities had planned to execute 20 arrest warrants and 18 search warrants, and some suspects are still being pursued, said Mike Manko, a spokesman for District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr.

Mr. Zappala announced the arrests at Penn Hills' Washington Elementary School during the launch of the S.T.A.R. program, a joint initiative between the district attorney's office, the Penn Hills School District and the municipality of Penn Hills. The program -- Stand Together, Act Responsibly -- is designed to encourage young students to report crime and bullying in their schools and neighborhoods.

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